However, the report received a different reception from the City Council Transportation Committee. Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, who represents the district containing LAX and sponsored the motion that called for the report, asked about "next steps" for the plan and asked LADOT to coordinate efforts with Metro and LAX's Master Plan Committeeto continue to examine different options for HOT Lanes (High Occupancy Toll Lanes) providing access to the airport. The councilmember doesn't believe that HOT Lanes could be going in any time soon, but wants to be ready if the opportunity presents itself.

"In two or three years, we might be ready to move on congestion pricing. If that moment comes I want to be ready," Rosendahl said.

Rosendahl also noted that no congestion pricing scheme for the airport should move forward until there are more transit options, but he was talking about buses. The motion to ask LADOT to report back on the study's progress in three months passed unanimously, although Councilmember Tom LaBonge restated his philosophical opposition to HOT Lanes.

The LADOT also updated the committee on Metro's application for funds to turn existing HOV Lanes on LA County Highways to HOT Lanes. The FHWA's decision, originally expected this month, has been delayed possibly until April. The LADOT estimates that of the $643 million that Metro asked for, $35 million could be used to bolster city run transit options such as the DASH service.

Word On The Street

“...currently in Metro rail's budget 25% of that goes to security of the system. Not towards more service but security of the system. I wouldn't be so harsh and cynical about this had the Sheriff's been more visible at all Metro stations...”